Remaster: A term that would bring excitement as we watched a beloved experience receiving a full makeover, allowing us to once again experience the wonderful adventure on our current batch of consoles. These days the term has a lot of negative stigma, mostly due to the large number of remastered titles releasing each month rather than each year. The remaster has become more than common throughout the gaming industry, especially with the introduction of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Though some hate the huge number of remastered titles being released, some absolutely adore them for many reasons.

Now what exactly determines whether or not a game deserves a remaster? How long it has been released? How critically acclaimed it was? How adored is it by the fans? How much the fans are asking for it? It seems these days these questions don’t need to be answered, with titles being released in remastered forms less than 6 months after the initial release.

The latest remaster to be announced was Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, which bundles Borderlands 2 – a beloved title acclaimed critically, commercially and by the fans from 2012 – alongside Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, which originally released in October 2014. One is a few years old, while one is barely six months of age. Does this bundle constitute as an acceptable remaster? We are for a fact experiencing a game from a few years ago that seems to answer most of the questions previously mentioned, but on the other hand, we have a title that doesn’t answer any of those questions being released alongside it.

So is this a good remaster? Maybe, maybe not. But this can be said with a majority of the remasters that have been released over the last 12 months, and those that will be released in the next 12 months.

Personally, I believe the remaster has many strong reasons for existing, and many of those justify its existence.

What is old is new again.

Experiencing a classic is an amazing feeling, whether it’s for those who want to relive something memorable or those too young to have ever experienced such masterful work. Though, as we have established, not every remastered title seems to adhere to the classic motif, or even to the longevity between original releases, but some provide an excellent way to look into the past.

I had never experienced DuckTales before, but in 2013 with DuckTales Remastered, I was able to experience a memorable title for the first time. The idea of a remaster bringing new life to a property, franchise, or even a single release, is a bright one, and allowing the past to once again be reborn as something new is excellent.

Later this year, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask will be released for the 3DS, which has garnered a lot of excitement from veteran fans to gamers who never experienced the original. Giving players the option to experience the past once again is only a good thing.

Two years ago, I played Tomb Raider, which in itself was a reboot of the original series, and I loved it to death. It was one of my most beloved titles in recent memory. Last year it was remastered for next generation consoles. Was I upset that this game was remastered? No, even though it was less than 12 months since it was originally released, I loved having an excuse to replay a masterpiece. Though the time-frame from original release certainly wouldn’t constitute a remaster, the fact it existed could be attributed to Rise of the Tomb Raider’s existence.

Helping fund future titles.

Originally, Square Enix announced the Tomb Raider reboot didn’t reach the intended sales targets. Although I don’t have any inside information or background in where percentages of gaming sales go, the fact a remaster was made seems likely to be a way to increase those targets. In fact, the sales from the remaster could have showcased this is a series worth exploring further – even if it didn’t reach the (obscene) numbers Square originally had intended.

In this way, a remaster is a great way for fans to showcase with their wallet what they want to see more of in the future. Could the sales of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D have helped provide a strong indication that remakes of this nature will sell? Perhaps even proving fans want these titles available on their 3DS, and in turn helping Majora’s Mask come to the handheld?

It seems remasters have transitioned into a way for developers and publishers to see if a franchise can find new blood, providing a new way for old fans to enjoy something they love, but also inviting new players to play the “entire collection in one package” as many remasters continue to emphasise.

Support developers you choose to support.

Further exploring this theory, Square Enix also helped release a Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition for next generation consoles, but that’s not all. Not only did Sleeping Dogs have an opportunity to increase its sales, but Ninja Theory will be bringing DmC: Definitive Edition to next generation consoles to do just that, alongside the recent announced of the Borderlands: Handsome Collection.

Not only are developers looking to showcase IP’s that may not have sold enough to warrant a sequel, but they are also reintroducing fans to previous titles in large properties such as Halo and Kingdom Hearts. Even the hugely successful The Last of Us received a remastered edition 12 months after its original release.

Whether increasing awareness in new IP’s (Sleeping Dogs), trying to improve sales that may not have reached the intended targets (Tomb Raider), or perhaps wanting to extend an already large reach before an upcoming installment (Halo), remastered games are being strategically placed to increase sales, awareness and the overall reach a franchise is capable of producing.

Is this a bad thing?

I don’t think so. Sure, some titles may not particularly warrant a remastered experience, but that’s why we have control of our wallet. Personally, I choose to purchase remastered titles because I either want to experience something I missed out, something I want to experience again, or for the case of Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition, I see it as a new way to support a game I love in hopes of getting an eventual sequel.

Developers love the industry, but with any product, they need to earn enough profits to allow them to continue their dream. Remastered titles allow for fans to support developers, publishers and franchises in new and profitable ways. We have all seen how tough the industry can be with one poor title costing an entire team of employees their livelihood. Even financially successful studios have dealt with large layoffs in the past.

In the end, the remaster is there as a choice. We don’t have to purchase them if we feel the release isn’t warranted or if we feel the remaster isn’t up to scratch. We can vote with our wallets. But even if there is a title remastered you believe isn’t worthy, there is someone else reading the announcement in excitement to experience something new, to experience something amazing once more or to simply support something they truly love.

Though I may not be 100% behind every remaster that has ever been made, or will be developed in the future. I am fine seeing their existence, knowing that each one I disagree with, there will be one that excites me in the near future.

The AA Meeting is stepping away from the news this episode, we are taking you on a journey of the best games of this generation. Instead of writing out our thoughts, we are giving it to you in bite sized audio chunks, with some delightful music from the games involved as well

Over the next 5 installments we will dish out Analog Addictions favourite 25 games of this generation.The rules for entry are simple.

No downloadable titles

Only 1 game per franchise

No downloads ported to retail discs

No collections

Only retail copies

So come and join our extensive journey, with entries 25-21 revealed today. Click the link below to be taken to The AA Meeting Podcast, Episode 8.

As a child I was quite the collector, ranging from Pokemon cards to Tazos. I loved the satisfaction of ripping open a packet and getting a card that was better than the ones I had already collected, the feeling of excitement and happiness was overwhelming. Being a little kid it was easy to excited by such minor things, I never thought something would be able to infuse that sense of addictive collecting in myself once more, this is where Borderlands (Developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games) the 2010 first person role playing game succeeds. The anticipation of getting a brand new collectible card is brought back to life when collecting Borderlands many guns, when I say many guns, I mean 17,750,000 guns (Guinness World Records 2012).

Borderlands takes place within the fictional world of Pandora, your character has arrived at the town of Fyrestone to look for the fabled “Vault” and collect the contents inside. With the help of your “Guardian Angel” you are set out on the task to find the keys to open the vault, let our journey begin.

This is my biggest gripe with Borderlands, the story is barely touched upon and I will honestly tell you I did not know what was going on until about half way through the game. The talk of the Vault is lost, the explanations are sorely lacking and you feel as if the main story is only there to put forward more challenging missions. The ending of this story makes barely any sense and leaves you watching the credits, scratching you head and asking yourself, “What just happened?”

Dat ass.

The world of Pandora is gorgeous. The art style Gearbox implemented looks beautiful and makes playing the game and exploring the environments a treat. Though environments do tend to blend into one another, the arid bare wastelands becoming a strong theme throughout. The game tends to open up towards the end in variation, adding snowy elements and adding more enemy types to the mix.

Enemies at the start of the game tend to appear often, which can be a drawback as you do become bored being faced with the same enemy for countless hours, but that slowly deteriorates through the story.

Many side missions are also given during the game, which have a tendency to lean towards the “Fetch Quest/Meaningless tasks” criteria far too often. Though these do provide you with more gameplay and chance for better weaponry, more variety in quests would have been appreciated.

Borderlands shines when it showcases its arsenal of weaponry, the amount of diversity within each gun is crazy. Not only in stats that may work better with your character, but in the detail, design and art style. Each gun almost has its own personality and you may even get attached to these weapons as you would an ally. These guns are your friends and memories of a weapon helping you out in a rough situation may keep you from selling certain items along the way.

You Character Choices

It felt strange to have an attachment to a weapon like I did in Borderlands, yet I would continuously avoid selling guns because I felt like a gun had served me well during gameplay. Speaking of gameplay it feels very smooth, jumping feels floaty but becomes very useful and the shooting feels strong. The main feature Borderlands is loot, killing enemies, loot appears, opening chests, loot appears, it’s done very well and keeps pushing you forward towards your next find.

One mechanic that worked very well was Fight for your Life, meaning if you lost all your health you were given a certain amount of time to either continue to fight and hopefully get another kill reviving yourself, or choose to give up and respawn at your last check point in exchange for some of your money. Time after time I was able to use this ability to my advantage, sacrificing myself in order to take out stronger enemies and have a weaker minion lined up for a successful revive. These moments are exhilarating and are some of the most memorable in my Borderlands experience.

Borderlands is a unique adventure on consoles, the lack of story really hurts your ability to care about what happens which I think could throw a lot of players off. If you get sick of gameplay (Which occurred occasionally) you will have no other reason to play as the music even ends up repetitive come the conclusion of the “story”. But most will have an enjoyable time when they visit Pandora, few technical problems and a sound loot-drop mechanic that could get you addictive to collecting guns. The campaign will take you upwards of 20 hours to complete, plus the many side quests available and co-op gameplay.

Borderlands Players Will Agree....

Collecting cards was one of the most fun experiences as a child, Borderlands is able to bring back those memories. Borderlands may not be for everyone, but it definitely knows how to hook you into the gorgeous world of Pandora if you let it.

Positives

Gorgeous art style

Addictive loot drops

Variety of weapons

Offering a huge amount of content

Negatives

Story is non-existent

Confusing ending

Environments lack variation

Bland side-quests

Score: 7.5/10

Jamiemad66

Jamie is still a collector to this day, his gaming library increases by the day in his efforts to one day own all the games in the world...Plus become broke. You can follow his journey on Twitter @Jamierock50, on YouTube and even on his site of employment WeekendNotes.

I am a proud Playstation Vita owner, as much as many bag the handheld system because of its low sales and small game library, I feel as though my purchase has been justified. Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Lumines: Electronic Symphony, Super Stardust: Delta and Mutant Blobs Attack have literally all made my purchase feel granted, I love the handheld. Even though I see why people do feel like the Vita is not worth the purchase, maybe it isn't for every gamer, the price and small selection of games can definitely lean many into the section of "Not on-board the Vita train".

Recently I started playing Borderlands on Xbox 360, I am a little late to the game but I love what I have experienced. The gameplay hooks you quickly, the leveling up system and loot drops always make you crave the next enemy visit hoping that you may get some really cool weapons...But even if you don't, you still love the thrill of the drop. It is almost like being a kid again, buying a pack of Pokemon cards and the anticipation of collecting a rare Charizard card never got old. Borderlands fulfills that child-like love of collecting once again, it allows you to just enjoy the game and keep on collecting. Sure the story, is very lacking, I do not know what I am doing in the main quest but every section of gameplay allows a variation on combat. Via your weapons or the enemies you face,this keeps the game fresh and fun throughout.

What is my point?

Borderlands fits on Vita. I have been thinking all day and I have come to the conclusion that I want Borderlands on the go, I think there are many ways this game could work on Vita and I will explain over the course of this blog.

Could it occur?

Controls

Now as you know there is no analog clicking functionality on the Vita, nor is there any sort of triggers. A re-work of the control scheme will be in order, firstly moving the action skill button from the left bumper to a simple touch on the left side of your back touch screen, switching these controls will allow for zooming with iron-sights easy and the touch capability will make the action skills easily accessible. More variations will need to be placed, stealing a feature directly out of Burning Skies we place a simple grenade icon on the front touch allowing you to throw grenades easily. From there adding the shooting button to the right bumper, then adding melee to the right half of the back touch. Now this may sound cumbersome to some and sure it is not the most perfect control scheme, but holding the Vita without touching the back touch is easily done once you are used to it. I think this control scheme could work and I think it could easily be something you get used too.

Original Control Scheme

Incorporating Touch/Gyroscope

I do not want to incorporate to many touch screen controls, the grenade is the main one that has the most focus on touch capabilities. This is easily accessed near the face buttons, so the reach over should not be too hard and it has been proven that it can be done through Burning Skies. I think the main touch focus apart from gameplay, should be on the menu section. Allow us to look at these unique guns in-depth, all through touch, allow us to have the option to pick up guns via touch from the battlefield and overall menu control through touch.

Grenade Icon Example

Lastly, while we are stealing shit why not take the gyroscope feature that was used in Uncharted: Golden Abyss. This feature allows you to tilt the Vita itself to try and line up those head-shots a little easier, I loved this feature and if it was incorporated into a Borderlands game, aiming for those critical shots would be easier allowing this feature to help the player.

Vita Exclusive Feature

Make this Little Big Planet in shooter form! You don't need to give us an unlimited amount of options in term of creation, but picture this. You can put together guns (Drag drop style, or using buttons) change the colours, add your special features like sights and barrels and then have a certain amount of stats that can be added to each weapon.

This, but easier to follow

With Vita's online functions, you could easily share these guns via NEAR or have an online download store kind of like LBP or Diablo style using in-game moneys. Now this feature is a stretch, but this would be something cool to the community and could add a reason for purchasing a Vita Borderlands spin-off. This has been done with LBP, so why couldn't another section of community tools work but with Borderlands? They already do not take themselves seriously, so adding this feature makes sense and would be very cool in my opinion.

Drop-In/Drop-Out Co-Op Play/Mission Structure

Borderlands is not Borderlands without co-op, so drop in/drop out co-op HAS to work. You could be able to search for people via the internet to join your game as you would any game, but the drop-in/drop-out function makes sense. Since handheld games are not for the gamer who will sit there non-stop and finish the game with a friend for long periods of time, but their option HAS to be included and if it doesn't come with the game, this will totally take away from the experience.

How Co-Op Would Look

Now onto why I think Borderlands fits the handheld mode. Sure the main quest should be the main attraction, but the vast amount of side missions and smaller main quest missions allow for small bursts of play on the go. I sat there the other night and plowed through tonnes of missions, none lasting longer then 10-15 minutes. This is a perfect amount of time for handheld gaming, if I am at work on my break I can knock out 2 or 3 missions in an hour, or knock 1 out on public transport. I think Borderlands could easily be translated to handhelds without taking much away from what Borderlands IS. It works.

What do you think?

Have I made a justification as to why I think Borderlands will work on Vita? I think it would totally be awesome and I think it would really be able to be put onto a handheld, without taking away the soul of what Borderlands is. This would give Vita owners a reason to buy and the loot mechanics as well as the fact you can share your weapons with fellow players, lets you have almost an unlimited game in terms of longevity. Not only that, but wouldn't this make a lot of fence-sitters jump onto the Vita Train?